The definition of Steampunk varies widely, depending on who you ask and what you read.

Wikipedia defines it as “a sub-genre of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and speculative fiction” which “involves a setting where steam power is still widely used – usually Victorian-era Britain – that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy.”

Essentially, Steampunk is a past that never was, or a possible future imagined through the eyes of our past. It is Victorian-styled science fiction & fantasy, with the flavour of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, which is brought to life through books, artwork, costumes, gadgets, and music, and is limited only by your imagination. Steampunk takes us to a world of adventure, discovery, mad science, and past (or imaginary) technologies. It has a strong do-it-yourself, hands-on aesthetic which appeals to many who get involved.

Finally, as Cherie Priest says, “It is lots of fun. If it isn’t lots of fun, you’re doing it wrong.”